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Cubic Zirconia has a long history, dating back to the early 1900's but it wasn't until the 1970's, that Soviet scientists learned how to grow the crystals in the laboratory. In the 1980's Swarovski & Co. (a world renowned Australian producer of leaded crystal) began producing cubic zirconia. In recent years it has grown in popularity not just because of a lower price than diamonds but because it is now equal in sparkle and clarity as a diamond.

The hardness of Cubic Zirconia is 8.5 on the Moh's scale, has a beautiful shine and is loupe clean. Cubic Zirconia is a cubic form of zirconium oxide. The overall effect is so similar to a diamond that it can even fool a trained gemologist on occasion, it can match or surpass the beauty and brilliance of many diamonds and now comes in a rainbow of colors.

Cubic zirconia can be cleaned with any conventional jewelry cleaner or detergent. With such a high hardness and durability, you can use a brush to clean off dirt or oil also. Ultra sonic jewelry cleaners may also be used on CZ and will not damage the stone.

Lab Created Gems / Synthetic Gemstones

Lab created gems or synthetic gemstones are gems that have a natural chemical structure. Lab created rubies and sapphires are made from corundum. The flux method is used. Lab created gems are loupe clean and very well cut.

Precious Metal Clay (PMC) and Art Clay artists use cubic zirconia and lab created gems because they can withstand the heat from a kiln.

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